Open Handedنموونە

When you think about what you have to give to others, what comes to mind? Chances are, almost immediately, your mind goes to your bank account. That’s because, in our limited view of generosity, we tend to think it means writing the check, hitting the GoFundMe, adding the extra tip, and making the monthly donation. In other words, we tend to think of it only in terms of money. However, as we read in 1 Peter here, there’s so much more to generosity than that. The Scripture doesn’t say, “Each of you should use the money you have to serve others.” No, the passage clearly states that we’re all called to use “whatever gift” we have to serve others. Your ability to budget? That’s a gift you can use. Your singing voice? That’s a gift you can use. Your writing skills? That’s a gift you can use. Your hospitality, your extra time in the mornings, your prayers, your friendship—those are all gifts you can use in service to other people. When we look at generosity that way, we can recognize that we all have something unique to offer.

This week, make a list of the gifts you think God has given you. Then, under each one, come up with some ideas for how you can use those things to serve others generously.